Supplier Awards 2026: Cleaning, Hygiene and Laundry Brand of the Year – Thamesmead

Thamesmead, part of the expanding Unico Group, is a national supplier of hygiene, catering and PPE products, with operations across Scotland, London, the south east and the north west. 

The company delivered a strong performance over the past 12 months, with product volume increasing by more than 20% during the period. This was supported by the cleaning company’s investment into its team, as it doubled its hospitality salesforce and established a dedicated north west department to improve coverage and service consistency in the region.

Product innovation also played a part in its growth, with the introduction of powered cleaning equipment and service support opening up new operational categories for customers, while the expansion into catering supplies and personalised amenities enabled operators to consolidate additional procurement lines.

All of this was not at the expense of protecting sustainability. Thamesmead launched the Green Loop recycling initiative to help operators reduce waste from unused paper consumables, while also unveiling a biotech cleaning range to lower chemical consumption and subsequently support operators in meeting their sustainability accreditation standards. Improvements within the wider Unico Group, in terms of packaging reduction, route optimisation and increased availability of environmentally considerate alternatives, have also formed strong foundations for Thamesmead’s sustainability commitments.

The business as a whole has had a lucrative year, broadening its scope of products across the accommodation, leisure and service-led environments to also include catering supplies, personalised guest amenities, and tailored cleaning equipment. Hospitality operators have subsequently benefitted from the consolidation of its procurement and streamlined deliveries into a single, trusted supplier.

Judges described Thamesmead as a truly deserving winner of this award, and its commitment to business innovation, sustainability and exceeding the expectations of trusted clients certainly demonstrate why.  

Judges’ comments

“What truly sets it apart is its investment in people — actively growing its sales force through structured training and fostering professional development and long-term industry engagement. This holistic approach has driven both commercial growth and elevated standards across the sector.”

Gosia Oszkiel, executive housekeeper, the Grand Brighton

“Its fuss-free, easy-going way of working with professionals shows a business that values long-term partnerships over hard sales tactics. By investing in its people and integrating sustainability with innovation, Thamesmead continues to grow through smart, forward-thinking strategies that truly benefit the hospitality industry.”

Fernanda Telatin Lewis, executive head housekeeper, the Goring

The shortlist

• Biological Preparations      

• BioVate Hygienics

• Thamesmead

Photo: PeopleImages/Shutterstock